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March 25, 2018March 27, 2018

SXSW Vox Media Cinematics

Vox Media Event, SXSW 2018 – Austin, Texas

I’ve talked a lot about the Vox Media Event at SXSW this year and I created all 9 of my SXSW ’18 portraits there. I thought it would be interesting to show scenes from the event, shot with my new wide-angle cinematic technique that I’m enjoying. In many ways, I think it’s a good complement and contrast to the black and white portraits I’ve been shooting lately. While the portraits are a closeup of one or two people, these cinematics have a sweeping view of a location. It gives an entirely different perspective.

I used the Olympus PEN-F with a 50mm equivalent for my portraits. I created these cinematics with the Canon G7X Mark II, usually shot at the widest 24mm equivalent. Special RAW processing allows me to create these wide-angle 16×9 panorama-like photos. As usual, click on the photo to see a larger version.

First up, we have Lisa promoting samples from Kevita. She was part of a three person crew, including Stephanie, who I featured in a portrait.

I shot all of these photos on Sunday, which was the last day of the three-day event. I went early, which worked well, since it wasn’t very crowded. Later, the lines were considerable and as you’ll see from the photos, the venue became packed.

It was held at The Belmont, which is a nice bar on West 6th Street. Unlike the grungy bars on East 6th, the bars on the west are more upscale with higher drink prices and slightly older clientele. There are two levels at The Belmont, with a breezy canopy covering the 2nd floor patio. In the background, you can even make out a couple of high-rise condos under construction, in this fast growing city.

Under the second floor canopy, TempurPedic setup beds for comfortable lounging.

It met Courtney and Daevonnie there and we had an impromptu portrait session. I featured individual portraits of both (here and here) as part of this year’s SXSW portraits. It was relaxing and casual. We all live in Austin and had a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying drinks and lounging around.

Also on the second floor, a vintage video arcade. Truly vintage like the stuff I used to play when I was a teenager. I didn’t bother since I didn’t want to embarrass myself. Vox Media’s Polygon, a video game website, curated the machines.

There were multiple samplings of local Austin cuisine, which was sponsored by Vox’s Eater site.

There was also an open bar, with a bar on each floor. I had a few, refreshing, Vodka based mixed drinks, throughout the afternoon. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday. That and the photography, of course, which is what I like the most.

On the first floor, below the patio, they had a room setup for podcasts. They were broadcast live to the internet. I went to a couple, including the first broadcast on Friday of the Vergecast. This is one from Recode, featuring Kara Swisher, on the left, speaking with Valerie Jarrett, attorney and businesswoman.

Towards the end of the day, The Belmont grew increasing crowded, though never oppressive. One of the biggest guests was Melinda Gates, of the Gates Foundation. There’s limited space in the podcast room, so giant TVs allowed others to view the broadcast from around the venue.

I think these wide-angle cinematics gives a good feel of the event. What do you think? Certainly more of a behind the scenes look and very different from the black and white portraits. I’m glad I shot both kinds of photos. The Olympus PEN-F and the Canon G7X Mark II work well together.

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